<Review of the 1st Round 1st Round match against Nara Club>
The 1st Round 1st Round match against the away team Nara. Despite being up against a J3 club, we approached the game with the mindset that "the enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy," and it turned out to be a game that continued to be more challenging than we imagined.
Nara Club connects the ball and attacks while adopting a bold high press and high line strategy. Tokyo places Koki TSUKAGAWA at the forefront, while Keigo HIGASHI, who is positioned as a defensive midfielder, supports the build-up by dropping back to the final line. However, they are unable to break through the opponent's concentrated defense and struggle to create clear scoring opportunities.
The second half, which started scoreless, saw Leon NOZAWA come on for Seiji KIMURA, who was making his first start of the season, and a switch to a four-back system. As head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned before the match, he wanted to consider making significant changes, and this was an attempt to shift the momentum by bringing clear changes to the pitch. Although this led to an increase in chances, Nara continued to fight aggressively without dropping their performance, and the initiative was once again taken away from them.
Despite creating dangerous scenes multiple times and relying on a solid defense and the opponent's mistakes to escape trouble, the match finally changes in the second half's added time.
In the penalty area, player Keiin Sato was knocked down from behind, earning a penalty kick. Soma ANZAI powerfully kicked it with his right foot into the net, scoring the opening goal at a critical moment. The determination of number 7, entrusted with the captain's armband, decided the match, and after a tough battle, Tokyo secured a spot in the 2nd Round.
<Preview of 1st Round 2nd Round>
The 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup, featuring all 60 clubs from J1 to J3, will be held in a tournament format. Tokyo, facing off against J2's RB Omiya Ardija in the 2nd Round of the knockout stage, will be playing away. The team is currently in a difficult situation, having gone seven league matches without a win, but they hope to turn the tide with a victory, transforming their accumulated efforts into confidence to move forward.
The match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 10 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, held at Japan National Stadium last weekend, saw Teruhito NAKAGAWA score his first goal of the season to take the lead. However, they allowed a heartbreaking equalizer in the second half's stoppage time, resulting in a draw. It was a frustrating outcome as they missed out on victory while the clock was ticking down to about one minute remaining.
No one would have thought that a single victory would be this far away. However, the matches will come. Even if the tournament changes, the stance of focusing firmly on the game in front of us and the opponent in front of us does not change. The fact that the opponent is from a lower category means nothing once the kickoff whistle blows. We can only overcome difficult situations by believing that results will come and having the determination to produce those results. It can be said that the current situation teaches us that we cannot achieve victory unless we turn the arrow towards ourselves, seek higher ground together, and move forward as one while communicating with each other.
We can only turn all bitter experiences into nourishment. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI says.
"Transforming our strengths and abilities into a case study is important in any game. There are always challenges regardless of winning or losing, so addressing those issues will lead to results, and I believe our depth will continue to grow. If our foundation is solid, those strengths will emerge even more. We must not neglect those areas."
What has passed does not change. We can only overcome this, turning painful memories and experiences into positives, making the times we couldn't win a period of preparation for the future.
Due to the congested schedule, it is expected that fresh players may be utilized. Since there are many capable players who have not had many opportunities to play, we should pay attention to who will take the pitch and what kind of performance they will show.
Omiya, after being relegated to J3 League, has returned to J2 League in just one year. With a significant change in management style this season, they currently sit in 2nd place with 19 points from 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, including a 4-match winning streak at the start. They are aiming for a quick return to J1 League through hard work and attacking football.
For Tokyo, there is a lineup of familiar faces, including Coach Nagasawa, who has long served as the leader of the top team, U-23, and the academy, Head Coach Kina, who wore the blue and red uniform as a player, and Coach Toda along with the staff. Additionally, there is a connection as Mr. Hara, who led the club to its first title in the 2004 season of this tournament (then known as the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup), serves as the president. For players like Kento HASHIMOTO and Go HATANO, who played in the academy and U-23 team, facing Coach Nagasawa, who is also a mentor, will be a match against members who supported an era for the club, so they want to show their growth and give back in a solid manner.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The league has been challenging with difficult results, but how do you view the cup competition?
A, nothing has changed from our initial thoughts. The only thing that matters to us is that an important match is coming up on Wednesday. Of course, we need to reflect on what we should improve and approach the areas where we are lacking, and the players are sincerely working on it. The rest is just the result. It is important to believe that we will achieve a good result, to believe in ourselves, and to keep going.
Q: Please tell us your impression of RB Omiya Ardija.
A, it gives the impression of a team that works very hard. We need to surpass that, and I conveyed the same message during the Nara Club match, but we cannot just look down from above. We will demand that we fight on the same level. In the league match against Kashiwa Reysol, we ended with a 1-1 result, which had both positive and negative aspects. There were parts we could not look away from, and I reflect on having repeated similar mistakes several times. I see the players trying in their daily training, and I am quite satisfied with that aspect, but the discussion was about whether we can translate that onto the pitch or not. Everyone is approaching the next match with the same mindset. Until we win good momentum and results, I want to keep moving forward without giving up.
Q: How do the players' energy and expressions appear to the coach?
A, I don't have the impression that anything has drastically changed, and each player understands their situation. I conveyed to the players that they should have the mindset of "I will make it happen" to overcome this difficult and challenging situation no matter what. Of course, that mindset applies to me as well. I believe it is important for me to communicate clearly and not just leave everything to the players.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: As the team has been distanced from victory, what do you think is necessary for you, Keigo HIGASHI?
A, with the possibility that players who have not been involved in the league matches so far may participate, I want to change the atmosphere for the better starting with this match.
Q: A match against your former club is coming up.
I was with the team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and I have some concerns about whether the fans and supporters of RB Omiya Ardija remember me. However, I truly feel that I was able to grow during my short time there. I am really grateful, and if there are those who remember me, I would like to show them my play that makes them think, 'You've grown.'
Q: In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, I think there were moments when we rushed our attacks, scenes where we couldn't align our focus, and a lack of communication in defense.
There was a lack of overall awareness regarding how to proceed in this flow, and in terms of how to advance time with our play. It became ambiguous whether we should go for the second goal or focus on solid defense. In terms of defense, while some issues could be resolved through communication, I believe there was also a lack of individual awareness in certain situations.
Q: I think there are many expected roles for player Higashi in both offense and defense.
A, we must do it thoroughly, and soccer is not just about offense. There is also enjoyment in the defensive aspects. By approaching it from various angles, we can understand the "depth of soccer." I believe that knowing and deepening the "enjoyment of soccer" in both offense and defense will bring us closer to victory.
<Go HATANO>
Q, in the 1st Round match against Nara Club, you contributed to a victory without conceding any goals. What kind of play would you like to show with the possibility of participating this time?
A, I am always ready to play. I believe it's just about standing on the pitch and expressing myself. The cup competition can only be demonstrated through the result of victory. I truly want to play with a focus on winning and to play in a way that brings victory closer.
Q, I believe there is a strong awareness to change the atmosphere, including the tendency of the team to be down, in a positive direction.
After the recent match against Kashiwa Reysol, we discussed among the players, and this week's practice has been focused on the intensity of the ball contests and creating an atmosphere suitable for winning. I believe it comes down to whether we can bring this into the match, and I want us all to play in a way that involves the entire venue.
Q: This time, the venue is a soccer-only stadium, which brings us closer to the fans and supporters. While receiving their energy, won't we be able to showcase our own strengths as well?
A, I have experience playing at NACK5 Stadium Omiya two seasons ago, and I felt the closeness of the distance from the stands to the pitch, as well as the cheers and intensity. I think I will be able to feel the fans and supporters even more closely, which makes me even more motivated to do it for everyone.I want to enjoy soccer while also delivering results.
Q: Please tell us your impression or image of RB Omiya Ardija.
It is a very attacking club, and since I played under Coach Nagasawa, I have a sense of what kind of soccer they play. (During my time there) they trusted me and even let me wear the captain's armband, and I believe I was able to grow because of that season. The following season, I made my J1 league debut, and I am very grateful. I want to show plays that make people think, "You've become impressive."
